The Death of Trotsky is a riveting deep dive into the dramatic final chapter of Leon Trotsky’s life and his long, perilous escape from Stalin’s reach. Josh Ireland masterfully details the relentless pursuit of Trotsky by Stalin’s agents, culminating in the infamous ice pick assassination. The story moves between Europe and Mexico, with rich historical context and tense, character-driven narrative. While the focus on Ramón Mercader’s transformation from aristocrat to assassin is compelling, at times the pacing felt uneven, making the ending less impactful than it could’ve been. Still, this book offers a fascinating and chilling account of the Cold War’s early days and the men whose lives were marked by history’s most dangerous political games.

Intriguing, detailed, and a must-read for history buffs.